This cross near sluice gate in Goa draws devotees on August 20

LIT WITH FAITH

Thousands of devotees from all walks of life and across Goa participated in the celebrations of the feast at the Handi Khuris in Maina on August 20.

CROSS AT SLUICE GATE

Handi Khuris means ‘cross near the sluice gate' and every year on August 20, the farmers get together to celebrate the feast.

THE BLESSING QUEUE

Revellers come at daybreak, or even before that, and wait in a serpentine queue throughout the day till late night to evoke blessings.

SYMPHONY OF GOD

As people wait for their turn to be blessed, there's always a local musical brass band playing soulful songs at the Handi Khuris that fills the air with gaiety.

COMMUNITY FEAST

The farmers and devotee get together to cook and serve the feast, including pulao, rice, chicken and other dishes.

SWEET FOR THE FEAST

A regular festive sweet dish that features at this feast is the atol, made from rice and jaggery. No festival or feast in Goa is complete without it.

CHUDDTI MODDTA

A ritual associated with the feast is bending or folding a strip of coconut leaf. This is called Chuddti Moddta. As they do this, they pray their petitions to the God are granted.

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